Here's why it's difficult to generalize:
* Vast Diversity: Fish range in size from tiny gobies to giant whale sharks. They live in diverse environments, from shallow coral reefs to the deepest trenches of the ocean.
* Lifespan Variation: Even within the same species, lifespans can vary based on factors like:
* Food availability: A fish with plenty of food will likely live longer than one struggling to find sustenance.
* Predation: Fish living in environments with many predators have shorter lifespans.
* Environmental conditions: Pollution, habitat loss, and climate change can affect lifespan.
Here are some examples of fish lifespans:
* Goldfish: Can live 10-20 years in optimal conditions.
* Guppies: Typically live 1-2 years.
* Koi: Can live 50-100 years, sometimes even longer.
* Atlantic cod: Can live 20-25 years in the wild.
* Ocean sunfish: Can live 10-16 years.
* Whale shark: Estimated lifespan is around 70-100 years.
To learn more about the lifespan of a specific type of fish, you'll need to research that particular species.